Cambridge professor given UCL top job

The pro-vice-chancellor of Cambridge University, Professor Malcolm Grant, has today been named the new provost of University College London.

Professor Grant will join UCL, one of Britain's most prestigious universities with an annual turnover of £400m, in October. He succeeds Sir Derek Roberts, who returned to the post last year (he was provost between 1989 and 1999) following the resignation of Sir Christopher Llewellyn Smith.

Chairman of UCL council, Lord Young, said: "Higher education in Britain is experiencing a period of great change and we are ready to accept the challenge this will present to UCL.

"Professor Malcolm Grant will not only lead us into this new era, but also ensure that UCL continues its radical tradition of refusing to let convention inhibit progress. I warmly welcome the appointment of Professor Grant and look forward to working closely with him in the future."

Born and educated in New Zealand, Professor Grant is Cambridge professor of land economy and a fellow of Clare College. Prior to that, between 1986 and 1991, he was professor of law and vice-dean at the faculty of laws at UCL.

An environmental lawyer and barrister, Professor Grant, who was awarded the CBE this year for his services to planning law and local government, is also chairman of the agriculture and environment biotechnology commission. The commission provides strategic advice to the government on the implications of biotechnology, including genetic modification, for agriculture and the environment.

He is also chairman of the UK independent steering board for the public debate on GM foods, deputy chairman of the standards committee of the Greater London Authority and chairman of the independent panel on councillors' allowances in London.

Professor Grant said: "I am delighted to be returning to UCL, and honoured to have been invited to lead such an outstanding university at this critical point in its history. UCL is an exceptional institution, with a radical tradition and a distinctive character. It competes with huge success at the highest international levels. It is creative and effective in the way it runs, and well-equipped to respond to the many difficult challenges facing UK universities in the coming years."